Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full Privacy Policy.

What do people wear in Kauai/Molokai/Waikiki in early December?

My hubby and I leave for Kauai on December 8th, and I'm beginning to wonder what to pack. We both burn easily in sunlight, so obviously hats are a must, but do many people wear hats in Hawaii? What type do they wear? I dress pretty casually, so would capri pants, athletic shoes and t-shirts be okay, or do people tend to wear nicer warm weather clothes? Also, are there places where shorts etc. can be picked up relatively inexpensively? My problem is that I'm a bit worried about being surrounded by scantily-clad women who are much thinner than me, and feeling like a frump... Also, we'll be staying in condos in Kauai and Molokai, so we'll have easy access to laundry. Any tips would be appreciated!

Yes. all kinds. Yes, yes, and yes. You mention Waikiki...which island will you be landing on first? you can get clothes from various malls on Oahu and Kukui Grove on Kauai. Hats come in all shapes & sizes; no worries, you can wear anything you want. Same for clothes--we dress up, dress down, whatever is appropriate for the situation. the main thing to know is, you can get whatever you need if you decide to dress differently from what you packed.

First of all, Hawaii is verrrry casual. When I'm there--I wear shorts and light-weight t-shirts, sandals or "slippahs" (flip flops). I find athletic shoes are too warm for me. Though I take them for hiking. It is the Hawaiian custom to remove shoes when entering a home etc and slip off shoes make that easier. I sometimes take a sundress or a skirt if I want to dress up a bit for dinner. As to hats where whatever you like--baseball, big brimmed--you see everything. Don't worry about the ultra thin, scantily clad women--yes, there are some but most women are normal to normal plus sizes--just like anywhere else.

Capris, shorts, t-shirts, a hat, and sandals are perfect for Hawaii. It is very casual most places most of the time.

I think you've been looking at too many tourist brochures for Hawaii with the lovely ladies in the scanty bikinis -lol!

Take your sneakers, but as one person already said they are kind too warm for most time. I use mine only when doing a lot of walking or easy hiking. Other than that sandals or flip flops. Any kind of hat is fine. I have a canvas one for walking around and a straw one for sitting in the sun.

One thing I will suggest, is to take at least 2 bathing suits, so you'll always have a dry one to wear. And some kind of a cover-up like a sarong or slip-on dress or long t-shirt top, to slip on over a suit around the pool or at the beach (or these are easy to buy after you arrive).

I've always worn Dansko sandals but find they're not comfortable enough for me. I think I'll investigate an alternative brand. As for a bathing suit, I'm going shopping for one in a few weeks (my first time buying a bathing suit) and I'm not looking forward to it. I'll probably only get one. We're not going to spend much time in the water--we hope to try snorkeling, but other than that, it'll mostly be strolls along the beach. Thanks for all the info, I'm glad it won't be like those brochures